Revitalising public spaces in West Sussex

West Sussex County Council is working with community and voluntary groups to breathe new life into underused public buildings, transforming them into vibrant hubs for local residents.

West Sussex County Council is working with community and voluntary groups to breathe new life into underused public buildings, transforming them into vibrant hubs for local residents.

Over the past two years, three surplus buildings—including The Park Centre in Burgess Hill—have been successfully repurposed through the Community Asset Transfer scheme, with at least two more set to follow this year.

What is a Community Asset Transfer?

A Community Asset Transfer allows publicly owned buildings or land to be transferred to community or voluntary groups for ownership or management, often under a lease at below market value. This ensures that these spaces continue to benefit local residents.

Once a group takes over a building, they are responsible for managing and maintaining it, covering all associated costs.

Community Asset Transfers Completed Since Late 2023

39 Youth Club, Bognor Regis

This youth club, which had previously occupied part of the building for years, has now expanded to take over the entire property. The space provides a safe and welcoming environment for young people, offering support with mental health, loneliness, and healthy living. Since reopening, more than 100 young people visit the club three times a week.
📌 Find out more: 39 Youth Club

The Phoenix Centre, Bognor Regis

This community hub has been leased to United Learning Trust, which is working closely with local voluntary groups and residents to shape its future. The centre complements existing county council and partner services in the area, ensuring it meets the needs of the local youth and wider community.
📌 Find out more: phoenixcentre.uk

The Park Centre, Burgess Hill

With a history spanning over 150 years, The Park Centre has long served as a community facility. The building was previously held in trust by the county council for the St John’s Institute Charity. In response to the transfer opportunity, local organizations and the Burgess Hill Town Council formed the Park Centre Burgess Hill Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to take over management. Approved by the Charity Commission, the centre will now become a key hub, supporting young people and local voluntary groups.

Future Community Asset Transfers

Two more community spaces are in the process of being transferred:
✅ Guernsey Farmhouse and Garden, Middleton-on-Sea
✅ West Grinstead Railway Carriage

Cllr Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, emphasized the importance of these initiatives:

“Community asset transfers empower our communities, ensuring that suitable redundant public buildings are transformed into vibrant and valuable assets for residents. This aligns with Our Council Plan priority of helping people and communities reach their full potential.

“While the number of suitable properties is limited, we’re pleased that the transfers completed so far are thriving. I’m confident the two upcoming transfers will be just as beneficial to local residents.”

Through these projects, West Sussex County Council continues to support grassroots initiatives, ensuring that once-underused buildings become active, meaningful spaces for the communities they serve.